Amazon Bans Like a Dragon: Yakuza Stars from Playing First

The cast of Amazon's upcoming series "Like a Dragon: Yakuza" has been restricted from playing the video games prior to filming. Kento Kaku, who portrays Akira Nishikiyama, revealed that the production team desired the actors to engage with the script without being influenced by the game's portrayals. This decision aims to ensure the cast delivers a unique interpretation of the characters while respecting the franchise's essence. The series adapts the first Yakuza game, following protagonist Kiryu Kazuma in Tokyo's criminal underworld and is scheduled to premiere on Prime Video with its first three episodes on October 25, 2024.

The production team wanted the cast to create their own interpretations of the characters without being influenced by the game's portrayals, ensuring they approach their roles authentically. This decision emphasizes the desire to respect the original material while bringing a fresh perspective to the characters.

"Like a Dragon," known as "Yakuza" in the West, is a renowned action-adventure video game franchise developed by SEGA. The series has gained a strong following for its engaging storytelling, memorable characters, and immersive depiction of Japanese culture and criminal underworlds. With a combination of serious drama and lighthearted side activities, the franchise has evolved over the years, maintaining a loyal fan base eager for new adaptations and installments.